What Is the Best Work of American Fiction of the Last 25 Years?

"Beloved," by Toni Morrison, center, was chosen as the best American fiction of the last 25 years. Runners-up were, from left: Philip Roth, Cormac McCarthy, John Updike and Don DeLillo.Credit
From left: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times; Derek Shapton/The Associated Press; Sara Krulwich/The New York Times; The Associated Press; Don Hogan Charles/The New York Times